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Israel on Thursday was abuzz with rumors that US Secretary of State John Kerry had finally succeeded in his mission to bring Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table.

Kerry is currently in Amman on a slightly extended stay, and is expected to address the media on Friday after receiving what he hopes will be a green light from Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.

Earlier in the week, Kerry stated that through patient and tireless work, he had managed to narrow the gaps between the Israeli and Palestinian positions. He also urged Israel to take a serious look at the Arab League Peace Initiative, which offers Israel recognition in return for a full withdrawal from Judea, Samaria, the Golan Heights and the eastern half of Jerusalem. Oh, and Israel needs to open its gates to millions of so-called "Palestinian refugees."

Israeli officials on Thursday said they remain ready to restart peace talks, and are willing to reach a negotiated settlement based on the pre-1967 borders, with agreed land swaps.

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